SharedResponsibilityModell

Shared responsibility is a governance and risk-management concept in which accountability and duties are divided among multiple parties. By clarifying who is responsible for which tasks and outcomes, organizations aim to improve safety, reliability, and compliance while reducing duplication of effort.

In cloud computing, the Shared Responsibility Model defines how responsibilities are allocated between a cloud service provider and a customer. The provider typically assumes responsibility for the security of the cloud, including infrastructure, network components, and platform integrity. The customer is generally responsible for security in the cloud, such as data protection, identity and access management, encryption of data, and secure configuration of applications and services. The split varies by service model: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) places more security responsibility on the customer, while Software as a Service (SaaS) shifts more security tasks to the provider.

Beyond cloud computing, the concept appears in safety, compliance, and corporate governance. In workplace safety, authorities and employers share duties for hazard assessment and training. In data protection and privacy, organizations and service providers negotiate obligations under laws such as HIPAA or GDPR. In corporate social responsibility, companies share accountability with suppliers, communities, and regulators for environmental and social outcomes.

Adopting a shared-responsibility approach usually requires clear documentation, such as risk matrices, policies, incident-response plans, and service-level agreements. Regular reviews and audits help verify that responsibilities remain aligned with operations, technology changes, and regulatory requirements.